Teaching on Judas Sunday, made me realize two things really clearly. One, Judas' sin cost Christ His life. So did mine. Judas is the most hated man in Christianity because he succumbed to the sins that we are all capable of. He may have had a direct hand in shedding Christ blood, but even if he hadn't, it still would have been required just to cover my sin. I know, right? It's a little early to choke that down. Second, Christ loved Judas no more or less than He loves me or you. Christ extends the same gentle mercy to me, as He extended to the man who betrayed Him for a fistful of coins.
Embarrassingly, this week has required no where near the self-control and obedience Christ showed. And yet, I struggled with it as though it did. I was just dealing with the normal "Should I? Shouldn't I's?" There's no Judas in my story, I have been wrestling myself for three days. Weird mental image, I know. This week, I have really been struggling to rest in the promises of God. I have been faithfully praying over a few areas and each time He faithfully answers. I get so excited that I've heard from the Lord and it lifts my spirits and gives me such rest......for 15 minutes. And then, I find myself wringing my hands all over again, all worked up over what I should or shouldn't do. When I know good and well, I SHOULDN'T BE DOING ANYTHING. I should be waiting and watching for Him to do the doing. Make sense?
Ever been in situation where doing the "right" thing is directly disobedient to what God has called you to do? Even though it makes sense and it oozes character, it's not what the Lord wants from me right now. Man, I have tossed and turned over this one. I knew at 10 PM I was never going to sleep. I tried to just lay there still, hoping the Holy Spirit would just save me the time and speak audibly. But, alas nay. I got up about 4 AM, as lunatics often do, and crept into the kitchen to dig it out for myself.
And, big reveal.........here was one of my quiet times.
"Come to me with your plans held in abeyance. Worship me in spirit and in truth, allowing My Glory to permeate your entire being. Trust me enough to let me guide you through this day, accomplishing My purposes in My timing. Subordinate your myriad plans to My Master Plan. I AM sovereign over every aspect of your life!
The challenge continually before you is to trust Me and search for My way through each day. Do not blindly follow your habitual route, or you will miss what I have prepared for you. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As far as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways. And my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Yes, Lord. Even I understand that.
Another, favorite devotional led me to this passage today.
Deuteronomy 4:2-4 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God, that I give you. You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal of Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed Baal of Peor, but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today.
Before I explain the text, I read this immediately after Isaiah. It's sub heading is "Obedience Commanded." Thank You Lord, for not giving me a single minute to question Your ways, before commanding my obedience. He is making it as remedial as possible for me, friends.
Just prior to this God has told Moses that he will be forbidden to cross the Jordan into the promised land. Moses' offense was disobedience. During the wandering in the desert, the Israelites daily struggled with adhering to God's law and not being influenced by the pagan religions surrounding them. Baal Peor is a reference to Numbers where the Israelites have disobeyed Moses and God's law and began worshipping an idol. 24,000 were killed because of it and only those who remained faithfully to the law were spared.
To wrap this up neatly....You have Judas, whose idolatry was his own selfish ambition and desire. It kept him from Christ and heaven. Christ models immeasurable obedience and self-control by continuing to love Judas through even betrayal. As I battled my inability to trust God's leading, my inability to obey and use self-control; what I was battling was my own selfish desires. Even though, the actions I would prefer may be "right" they would have disobeyed what I knew God was calling me to do. Wait, trust, obey. His ways are higher than my ways, I don't understand what He is working out our how He is doing it. But, He reminds me again to obey. Not just reminds but commands my obedience as He did from the Israelites. His reward for those who did, they were spared and able to grow deeper in God. "All of you who held fast to the Lord your God are alive today."
So here is your verse for today:
Deuteronomy 12:32
See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.
Done.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Todays Quiet Time I
The last few days I have really been struggling with obedience and self-control. Praise God that the Spirit sanctifies every area of our flesh, working out each impurity and dark spot! It's been an interesting thread through my study time this week (and it's barely Wednesday!) Beginning with Sunday, I got to teach the last chapter for our home group from John MacArthur's Twelve Ordinary Men. Predictably, the last chapter is Judas, the wretch of a human or maybe just human. As I look back over my notes even now, I am overwhelmed at God's timing and mercy. How kind is our heavenly Father! How kind, that unbeknownst to me, he would prepare me for this week with the ultimate story of self-control and obedience. Lord, let it pour into my soul even now.
With that said, I'll begin with my notes on Judas from Sunday and finish with this morning's quiet time.
Right out of the gate, MacArthur starts this chapter with "He is the most colossal failure in all human history." This statement gave me pause, Really? All of human history? I'm glad to know it's him and not me, because last week I felt sure it was me. This is sarcasm. I don't know an emoticon for that. Was his sin so terrible on it's own or was it so terrible because it's victim was the innocent Christ?
Judas stands as a warning about the evil potential of spiritual carelessness, squandered opportunity, sinful lusts, and hardness of the heart. If you are like me, you are more concerned with how he became such a colossal failure so as to avoid this path myself. In a nutshell, here it is:
1. He didn't have authentic relationships with other believers. Anyone can have relationships and maybe even with other Christians. But if they are the kind where your dressed up, cleaned up, church self shares polite salutations with someone else's dressed up, cleaned up, church self......it is meaningless. There is a reason God's word encourages us to engage with the body of believers. IT'S BECAUSE IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!!!! It may be exhausting and painful at times, but ultimately it's for your good. It edifies and encourages you, it divides your burdens, it gives opportunity for accountability and loving rebuke. Iron sharpens iron and it does it by being authentic and transparent about who you are in Christ. It's capable of acknowledging jerkness and repenting, forgiving and moving on, helping others not to stumble wither by their own weakness or yours. Judas, was with the group of twelve, but not in the group of twelve. He was from a different town, different family and didn't have a prior relationship with any of the other disciples. Now, we've all be there and that wasn't the problem so much as it was that he never moved beyond being a stranger. Many times in scripture the disciples are listed in pairs, either by relationship (James and John), occupation, or proximity to Jesus. John the beloved goes with Jesus, the others have their buddy and then there's Judas. His anonymity, in plain sight, allowed lies and resentment to go unchecked in his cold, dark heart. Sound familiar?
2. He was so blinded by resentment and disappointment about his circumstance that he missed seeing Christ for who He was. Judas, like many Jews, wanted the Messiah to return in glory, to right the wrongs done to Jews, rebuild the temple and set up His kingdom. Again, this was not the main problem. Even other disciples had similar hopes, but at some point they realized this wasn't the Messiah they got, but they built a bridge......and got over it. They realized he was so much more, that it wasn't about an earthly kingdom but a place prepared for them with the Father......for eternity. Not Judas, he couldn't get over the selfishness and pride that he was hoping to indulge when he got his dues, when he got his power and privilege that would surely come with being a faithful follower of the Messiah. But, the dues never came, the power never came. Following the Messiah was about serving humbly, dying to your own desires, taking up your own cross and walking away from everything the world had to offer. He was never really drawn to the person of Christ, He was the means to an end. And there, the resentment began. Resentment that would cost him valuable time with His Savior and eternity with His Father. He was so blinded about what he wasn't getting right this minute, that he missed the "riches" he could have actually held onto. The riches you don't hold in your hands. Anyone?
3. He used his false servitude and false obedience to excuse himself from self-examination and more importantly, the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He never had an ounce of true love for Christ. His heart had never been changed, and therefore the light of truth only hardened him. Remember, Judas was there for every miracle, every sermon and every prayer. He was an eyewitness to the saving knowledge of Christ and yet never let it wash over him. Judas listened to every parable, every teaching unmoved and never applied the lessons. He was a master of deceit. Can you imagine being with Jesus and seeing someone healed or even Lazarus raised from the dead? And while you feign rejoicing or praise, your heart whispers "I hate Him. I hate who He is and who I'm not." "I deserve more, I deserve better." Oh friends, see yourself for who and what all of us are. Filthy rags. None deserving anything. Our hypocrisy hides nothing from the Holy Spirit, haven't you heard.....He's taken up residence, in you. He sees every blemish we try to cover, hears every angry word our heart speaks. And yet, He loves us. He died for us, knowing all of this. Knowing we are all capable of the sins of Judas. I am. Are you?
And finally, most importantly.......
4. He didn't have an authentic relationship with Christ. When Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him, no one suspected Judas. Judas had so mastered his deceit and hypocrisy that it didn't even occur to them that he could betray Christ. But, it occurred to Christ alright. For three years, Christ knew every word out of Judas' lying lips was bathed in hatred. He knew every offer of help or friendship, every prayer or "Amen" was given to conceal his true heart. As I think about it now, is it possible that none suspected Judas, not because of his skillful deceit, but because Christ consistently showed him such genuine love and kindness? Hmmmmm. What if none suspected Judas because Christ never treated him any differently or loved him any less? Hello, obedience and self-control, welcome to our story!
Now really y'all, we all know we have avoided entire cities on the map because so and so may still live there and we may still be mad at them. But my word, as though the life and ministry of Christ weren't difficult enough! To have to endure it with a person who you know loathes and hates everything about you right at your side? And, not only that, you wash their feet! You calm their storms, you are their provision, you pour yourself into them, knowing they are set on a fixed course that will end in your death. And you love them anyway. Jesus kept hinting to the disciples about a "devil" among them and His impending death and betrayal, not to be mysterious or coy but, because He TRULY loved Judas and was trying to give him as many chances for redemption as He could. Oh Lord! That you show each of us that love!
Surely, I can love my "neighbor" who mildly annoys me! So, that was the seed planted Sunday. I promise it will make sense after coffee and the next post.
With that said, I'll begin with my notes on Judas from Sunday and finish with this morning's quiet time.
Right out of the gate, MacArthur starts this chapter with "He is the most colossal failure in all human history." This statement gave me pause, Really? All of human history? I'm glad to know it's him and not me, because last week I felt sure it was me. This is sarcasm. I don't know an emoticon for that. Was his sin so terrible on it's own or was it so terrible because it's victim was the innocent Christ?
Judas stands as a warning about the evil potential of spiritual carelessness, squandered opportunity, sinful lusts, and hardness of the heart. If you are like me, you are more concerned with how he became such a colossal failure so as to avoid this path myself. In a nutshell, here it is:
1. He didn't have authentic relationships with other believers. Anyone can have relationships and maybe even with other Christians. But if they are the kind where your dressed up, cleaned up, church self shares polite salutations with someone else's dressed up, cleaned up, church self......it is meaningless. There is a reason God's word encourages us to engage with the body of believers. IT'S BECAUSE IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!!!! It may be exhausting and painful at times, but ultimately it's for your good. It edifies and encourages you, it divides your burdens, it gives opportunity for accountability and loving rebuke. Iron sharpens iron and it does it by being authentic and transparent about who you are in Christ. It's capable of acknowledging jerkness and repenting, forgiving and moving on, helping others not to stumble wither by their own weakness or yours. Judas, was with the group of twelve, but not in the group of twelve. He was from a different town, different family and didn't have a prior relationship with any of the other disciples. Now, we've all be there and that wasn't the problem so much as it was that he never moved beyond being a stranger. Many times in scripture the disciples are listed in pairs, either by relationship (James and John), occupation, or proximity to Jesus. John the beloved goes with Jesus, the others have their buddy and then there's Judas. His anonymity, in plain sight, allowed lies and resentment to go unchecked in his cold, dark heart. Sound familiar?
2. He was so blinded by resentment and disappointment about his circumstance that he missed seeing Christ for who He was. Judas, like many Jews, wanted the Messiah to return in glory, to right the wrongs done to Jews, rebuild the temple and set up His kingdom. Again, this was not the main problem. Even other disciples had similar hopes, but at some point they realized this wasn't the Messiah they got, but they built a bridge......and got over it. They realized he was so much more, that it wasn't about an earthly kingdom but a place prepared for them with the Father......for eternity. Not Judas, he couldn't get over the selfishness and pride that he was hoping to indulge when he got his dues, when he got his power and privilege that would surely come with being a faithful follower of the Messiah. But, the dues never came, the power never came. Following the Messiah was about serving humbly, dying to your own desires, taking up your own cross and walking away from everything the world had to offer. He was never really drawn to the person of Christ, He was the means to an end. And there, the resentment began. Resentment that would cost him valuable time with His Savior and eternity with His Father. He was so blinded about what he wasn't getting right this minute, that he missed the "riches" he could have actually held onto. The riches you don't hold in your hands. Anyone?
3. He used his false servitude and false obedience to excuse himself from self-examination and more importantly, the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He never had an ounce of true love for Christ. His heart had never been changed, and therefore the light of truth only hardened him. Remember, Judas was there for every miracle, every sermon and every prayer. He was an eyewitness to the saving knowledge of Christ and yet never let it wash over him. Judas listened to every parable, every teaching unmoved and never applied the lessons. He was a master of deceit. Can you imagine being with Jesus and seeing someone healed or even Lazarus raised from the dead? And while you feign rejoicing or praise, your heart whispers "I hate Him. I hate who He is and who I'm not." "I deserve more, I deserve better." Oh friends, see yourself for who and what all of us are. Filthy rags. None deserving anything. Our hypocrisy hides nothing from the Holy Spirit, haven't you heard.....He's taken up residence, in you. He sees every blemish we try to cover, hears every angry word our heart speaks. And yet, He loves us. He died for us, knowing all of this. Knowing we are all capable of the sins of Judas. I am. Are you?
And finally, most importantly.......
4. He didn't have an authentic relationship with Christ. When Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him, no one suspected Judas. Judas had so mastered his deceit and hypocrisy that it didn't even occur to them that he could betray Christ. But, it occurred to Christ alright. For three years, Christ knew every word out of Judas' lying lips was bathed in hatred. He knew every offer of help or friendship, every prayer or "Amen" was given to conceal his true heart. As I think about it now, is it possible that none suspected Judas, not because of his skillful deceit, but because Christ consistently showed him such genuine love and kindness? Hmmmmm. What if none suspected Judas because Christ never treated him any differently or loved him any less? Hello, obedience and self-control, welcome to our story!
Now really y'all, we all know we have avoided entire cities on the map because so and so may still live there and we may still be mad at them. But my word, as though the life and ministry of Christ weren't difficult enough! To have to endure it with a person who you know loathes and hates everything about you right at your side? And, not only that, you wash their feet! You calm their storms, you are their provision, you pour yourself into them, knowing they are set on a fixed course that will end in your death. And you love them anyway. Jesus kept hinting to the disciples about a "devil" among them and His impending death and betrayal, not to be mysterious or coy but, because He TRULY loved Judas and was trying to give him as many chances for redemption as He could. Oh Lord! That you show each of us that love!
Surely, I can love my "neighbor" who mildly annoys me! So, that was the seed planted Sunday. I promise it will make sense after coffee and the next post.
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